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Climbing Mount Etna

Even from the aeroplane, it’s hard to miss the majestic silhouette. Right behind the city of Catania, the mighty Mount Etna rises high above the green hills of Sicily. Imposing and seductive: you are drawn to take a closer look. And we highly recommend it. A visit to this active volcano, the highest in Europe, is an unforgettable experience.

From the city of Catania, Mount Etna is an easy trip. By (rental) car, it’s only a 45-minute drive and there is a car park halfway up the mountain. Another (very romantic) alternative is to travel by train. The Circumetnea, a lovely old Fiat train, departs from Borgo station in Catania and rides in a circle around the base of the volcano. This 110-kilometre panoramic train ride travels past villages, citrus orchards, pistachio trees and vineyards in the Catania hinterland.

 Mount Etna dominates the Catania skyline

Catania

Active volcano

The top of Mount Etna is covered in snow until late spring; in winter, people even ski on the volcano’s slopes. You would almost forget that this is an active volcano; lava regularly bubbles to the surface. The last time was in 2009. The lava flow from a few years ago has left impressive marks in the region; in some areas it even runs across roads. However, a visit is a very low-risk affair as Mount Etna is closely monitored around the clock. Mount Etna is without a doubt a must-see force of nature.

By cable car, bus or on foot

At an elevation of 1,800 metres, visitors can hop on a cable car, the Funivia, and travel close to the summit of the volcano. At the top, 4x4 vans with a guide take visitors to the highest crater. But the most exciting option is to hike all the way up (with or without a guide). Along the way you can admire the spectacular natural landscape. On the lower slopes of the volcano you will encounter fluttering butterflies and blossoming flowers, while the higher verges reveal a captivating lunar landscape with red and black rocks. Old lava stones make a creaking sound below your feet. Various tour companies in Catania offer guided sunset or sunrise hikes for an even more unique experience.

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The cable car to the top of Mount Etna

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The crater of the volcano

Steaming craters

The volcano provides plenty of reminders of its activity: sometimes you feel the heat emanate from the soil or see the steam rising from small craters. Once you reach the highest and largest crater, at approximately 2,900 meters, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view. The city of Catania and the Ionian Sea glisten in the distance and the mountain is surrounded by Mount Etna’s protected nature reserve. The east and north side of the volcano are much greener and covered by forest and vineyards: the grapes thrive in the fertile volcanic soil and make the delicious DOC Etna wine.